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The art world is a fascinating ecosystem, brimming with creative energy, cultural significance, and commercial opportunity. Yet beneath the surface of aesthetic beauty and innovation, there’s a darker side that many in the industry have either experienced or witnessed—arrogance and obnoxious behavior by certain art dealers, collectors, gallery directors, and even artists. These behaviors can leave a sour taste in one’s mouth, turning what should be an inspiring environment into a toxic one. In this article, we’ll explore why these behaviors occur, their impact on the market, and—most importantly—how to gracefully handle such situations.

Understanding Arrogance in the Art Market

The art market, especially at its higher echelons, is often driven by exclusivity and prestige. Arrogance, unfortunately, can be a byproduct of these dynamics. Art dealers, collectors, gallery directors, and artists often build their careers on carefully curated reputations and networks of influence. With high stakes involved, egos can easily inflate.

Art Dealers and Gallery Directors

Art dealers and gallery directors often operate as gatekeepers between artists and the broader market. In an industry where personal taste and relationships can make or break careers, some dealers may project an air of superiority to maintain their status. They might dismiss emerging artists or buyers who don’t meet their personal standards, sometimes shutting people out with an elitist attitude. For instance, some gallery owners only engage with the wealthy or influential, ignoring the genuine art lovers or smaller collectors. This condescension often fosters an exclusive ‘club’ mentality, alienating those who don’t “fit in.”

Collectors

Collectors, especially those with wealth and connections, can also exhibit obnoxious behavior. Many see art not just as a cultural or emotional investment but as a symbol of status. The pressure to maintain an image of sophistication can push some collectors to flaunt their purchasing power, sometimes belittling others in the process. At art fairs or auctions, it’s not uncommon to witness collectors bidding up prices, not for love of the work, but to assert dominance over their peers.

Artists

Ironically, even the artists themselves can sometimes contribute to the toxic atmosphere. As creatives, some artists might feel an innate superiority over their audience, believing that their artistic vision puts them above critique. Their self-perception as “genius creators” can result in dismissive or abrasive behaviour toward gallery staff, collectors, or even fellow artists.

A Personal Anecdote

An incident I witnessed a decade ago at the renowned TEFAF art fair illustrates this point vividly. While visiting the booth of a prominent Canadian art gallery with friends, a young woman in her mid-twenties approached the gallery owner. With genuine interest, she inquired about the price of a Picasso painting on display.

Instead of engaging with her respectfully, the gallery owner bluntly replied, “Oh sorry, but you can’t afford it.” The young woman, clearly embarrassed, left the booth in silence. This encounter was shocking and disheartening. It exemplified how arrogance can create unwelcoming spaces, discouraging enthusiasm and potentially driving away future patrons or contributors to the art world.

Over the years, I have witnessed numerous episodes of arrogance and obnoxious behavior in the art market. When I first started in this business, these experiences left me scarred and disappointed, casting a shadow over what should be a vibrant and inclusive community. However, with time and experience, I have learned how to navigate these situations and handle such individuals effectively.

It’s essential to recognize that while arrogance can create obstacles, it doesn’t define the entire art world. By fostering professionalism, respect, and open-mindedness, we can work towards an environment that celebrates creativity and supports artists and enthusiasts alike. Acknowledging and addressing these negative behaviours is a crucial step toward building a more inclusive and supportive art community.

The Impact of Obnoxious Behaviour

This culture of arrogance can have far-reaching impacts on the art community:

•   Alienation of Emerging Artists: New and lesser-known artists can be pushed aside, losing opportunities because they don’t align with the egos of those in power.
•   Exclusivity Over Inclusivity: When arrogance dominates the market, it creates a culture of exclusion, where art becomes less about creative expression and more about who knows whom.
•   Toxic Work Environments: For those working behind the scenes in galleries or museums, the constant belittling and power dynamics can foster hostile workplaces, leading to burnout or a high turnover of staff.
•   Art as a Commodity, Not Culture: Arrogance often reduces art to mere status symbols, stripping it of its cultural, emotional, and intellectual value.

How to Handle Arrogant and Obnoxious Behaviour

While arrogance may be an unfortunate reality in the art world, it doesn’t mean we are powerless when encountering such behavior. Here are some ways to deal with it:

1. Stay Grounded in Your Purpose

If you’re an artist or a collector, always remind yourself of why you entered the art world in the first place. Your connection to the work, whether as a creator or as someone who appreciates beauty and meaning, is what matters. Don’t allow someone else’s inflated ego to derail your purpose. Recognize that their behavior is a reflection of their insecurities, not your worth.

2. Cultivate Patience and Empathy

While it may feel frustrating, understanding why arrogance exists can help you approach the situation with more empathy. Many people in the art market have spent years navigating tough competition and financial uncertainty. Arrogance might be their misguided way of compensating for past struggles. Responding with patience can often diffuse a tense situation and leave a lasting positive impression.

3. Choose Your Battles

Not every encounter needs to be a confrontation. When someone behaves obnoxiously, it’s important to assess whether engaging with them will have a productive outcome. In some cases, it may be best to simply walk away, preserving your own energy and sanity. Choose to engage only when you believe the situation warrants it, and when it aligns with your values or goals.

4. Set Clear Boundaries

Arrogance and obnoxious behavior should not go unchecked. If you’re working with a difficult gallery director or art dealer, set clear boundaries on how you expect to be treated. By politely but firmly communicating your expectations, you establish a professional tone that discourages future misconduct. Standing your ground in a calm and collected manner often garners more respect than lashing out emotionally.

5. Build Meaningful Relationships

The art world is vast, and not everyone exhibits the toxic behaviors described here. Seek out dealers, collectors, and galleries that value respect, creativity, and collaboration. Building meaningful relationships with people who align with your values creates a supportive network, helping you avoid toxic dynamics. Many emerging collectors and artists are gravitating towards more transparent, inclusive models, so look for those circles.

6. Document Unacceptable Behaviour

If the obnoxious behavior crosses a line—especially in professional dealings—it’s important to document it. Keep records of emails, conversations, or instances of mistreatment. If the situation escalates or affects your career or reputation, you will have evidence to protect yourself, whether through legal means or public accountability.

A Call for Change in the Art World

As the art market continues to evolve, there is a growing call for transparency, inclusivity, and respect within the industry. Artists, collectors, and art professionals should remember that art exists to inspire, provoke thought, and foster connections—not to inflate egos or assert dominance. By collectively standing against arrogance and advocating for respect, we can make the art world a more welcoming place for everyone.

Conclusion

The art market has its share of arrogance and toxic behavior, but that doesn’t mean we have to accept it as the status quo. Whether you’re an artist, collector, or dealer, staying grounded, setting boundaries, and building respectful relationships can help you navigate these challenges. With a collective effort, we can foster an art world that celebrates creativity over ego, and collaboration over competition.